Robert Dale Place, 92 years old, passed into the glories of Heaven on Tuesday, February 8, 20222. Dale was born January 21, 1930 in rural Auglaize County. He was one of six boys born to Vernon & Lydia (Casperson) Place, who proceeded him in death.

Dale married Carolyn Jean Miller in 1952, who predeceased him in 1996. He is survived by 2 children, Matt (Nancy) of Midland, Michigan, and Jane McKenzie of Columbus, Ohio. He was predeceased by a baby boy in 1954. He has 5 grandchildren, Jeffery (Heather) McKenzie of Cridersville, Ohio, Josie McKenzie of Columbus Ohio, Amanda (Matt) Hawkins, of Freeland, Michigan, Nathaniel (Jill) Place of Chelsea, Michigan, and Matthew Place, of Midland, Michigan. He has 8 great-grandchildren, Jesse & Page McKenzie, Jeremiah & Asher Hawkins, Tyler, Lydia, Ellie, & Adelyn Place. Dale is also survived by two brothers, Franklin (Kay) Place, and Max (Barb) Place, both of rural Auglaize County, and a sister-in-law, Betty Place of Wapakoneta. Also, brothers & sisters-in-law, Linda Kies of Sidney, Ermie & Marlene Wildermuth, Ed & Becky Rohrbaugh, and Bernie & Connie Miller of Wapakoneta.

Dale’s profession was in the construction industry, having built many houses and businesses throughout Auglaize and Allen counties. He enjoyed gardening, raising rabbits and fishing, regularly being a part of many trips to Canada. His family will greatly miss his culinary specialties like meatloaf, perch. pickled beets, Barney eggs, and pies. He greatly enjoyed debating his grandsons on the greatness of Ohio State football. He refused to wear his Michigan hat at any time.

Dale spent many years as a Sunday school teacher at Buckland United Church of Christ, where he raised his family. He was a credentialed lay minister, doing pulpit fill throughout the area. In his later years, he attended Bethlehem Christian Union Church.

Dale was a proud veteran of the US Army, having served in the Korean Conflict, earning the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was a proud member of Spencerville VFW, having assisted in many events.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am, February 17, 2022, at Bethlehem Christian Union Church, 09005 National Road, of rural Auglaize County. Visitation will be at 10am with the service following at 11am. Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, will handle the burial with military honors in the Buckland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Christian Union Church.